Finite Element Analysis
INTRODUCTION
• The basic idea in the finite element method is to find
the solution of a complicated problem by replacing it
by a simpler one.
• Since the actual problem is replaced by a simpler one
in finding the solution, we will be able to find only an
approximate solution rather than the exact solution.
• In the finite element method, it will often be possible
to improve or refine the approximate solution by
spending more computational effort.
• The fundamental concept involves dividing the body
under study into a finite number of pieces
(sub domains) called elements.
• Particular assumptions are then made on the variation of the
unknown dependent variable(s) across each element using so-
called interpolation or approximation functions.
• This approximated variation is quantified in terms of solution
values at special element locations called nodes.
• Through this discretization process, the method sets up an
algebraic system of equations for unknown nodal values
which approximate the continuous solution.
• Because element size, shape and approximating scheme can
be varied to suit the problem, the method can accurately
simulate solutions to problems of complex geometry and
loading and thus this technique has become a very useful and
practical tool.
(3) Methods of Solution
(3) Method of Solution
A. Classical methods
They offer a high degree of insight, but the problems are
difficult or impossible to solve for anything but simple
geometries and loadings.
B. Numerical methods
(I) Energy: Minimize an expression for the potential energy of the
structure over the whole domain.
(II) Boundary element: Approximates functions satisfying the
governing differential equations not the boundary conditions.
(III) Finite difference: Replaces governing differential equations
and boundary conditions with algebraic finite difference
equations.
(IV) Finite element: Approximates the behavior of an irregular,
continuous structure under general loadings and constraints with an
assembly of discrete elements.
History of Finite Element Methods
• 1941 – Hrenikoff proposed framework method
• 1943 – Courant used principle of stationary potential energy
and piecewise function approximation
• 1953 – Stiffness equations were written and solved using digital
computers.
• 1960 – Clough made up the name “finite element method”
• 1970s – FEA carried on “mainframe” computers
• 1980s – FEM code run on PCs
• 2000s – Parallel implementation of FEM (large-scale analysis,
virtual design)
Courant Clough
Chronicle of Finite Element Method
Year Scholar Theory
1941 Hrennikoff Presented a solution of elasticity problem using one-dimensional elements.
1943 McHenry Same as above.
1943 Courant Introduced shape functions over triangular subregions to model the whole
region.
1947 Levy Developed the force (flexibility) method for structure problem.
1953 Levy Developed the displacement (stiffness) method for structure problem.
1954 Argyris & Kelsey Developed matrix structural analysis methods using energy principles.
1956 Turner, Clough, Derived stiffness matrices for truss, beam and 2D plane stress elements. Direct
Martin, Topp stiffness method.
1960 Clough Introduced the phrase finite element .
1960 Turner et. al Large deflection and thermal analysis.
1961 Melosh Developed plate bending element stiffness matrix.
1961 Martin Developed the tetrahedral stiffness matrix for 3D problems.
1962 Gallagher et al Material nonlinearity.
Chronicle of Finite Element Method
Year Scholar Theory
1963 Grafton, Strome Developed curved-shell bending element stiffness matrix.
1963 Melosh Applied variational formulation to solve nonstructural problems.
1965 Clough et. al 3D elements of axisymmetric solids.
1967 Zienkiewicz et. Published the first book on finite element.
1968 Zienkiewicz et. Visco-elasticity problems.
1969 Szabo & Lee Adapted weighted residual methods in structural analysis.
1972 Oden Book on nonlinear continua.
1976 Belytschko Large-displacement nonlinear dynamic behavior.
1997 New element development, convergence studies, the developments of
supercomputers, the availability of powerful microcomputers, the
development of user-friendly general-purpose finite element software
packages.
Applications of Finite Element Methods
➢ Structural & Stress Analysis
➢ Thermal Analysis
➢ Dynamic Analysis
➢ Acoustic Analysis
➢ Electro-Magnetic Analysis
➢ Manufacturing Processes
➢ Fluid Dynamics
➢ Bio Medical Applications
Applications: Aerospace Engineering (AE)
10
Applications: Civil Engineering (CE)
11
Applications: Electrical Engineering (EE)
12
Applications: Biomedical Engineering (BE)
13
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
The solution of a general continuum problem by the finite
element method always follows an orderly step-by-step
process.
Step 1: Divide structure into discrete elements (discretization).
✓ The first step in the finite element method is to divide the
structure or solution region into subdivisions or elements.
✓ Hence, the structure is to be modeled with suitable finite
elements. The number, type, size, and arrangement of the
elements are to be decided.
Three-Dimensional
One-Dimensional Two-Dimensional Brick Elements
Frame Elements Triangular Elements
Common Types of Elements
Two-Dimensional Elements
One-Dimensional Elements Triangular, Quadrilateral
Line Plates, Shells
Rods, Beams, Trusses, Frames
Three-Dimensional Elements
Tetrahedral, Rectangular Prism (Brick)
3-D Continua
Step 2: Select a proper interpolation or displacement model. Since the
displacement solution of a complex structure under any specified
load conditions cannot be predicted exactly, we assume some
suitable solution within an element to approximate the unknown
solution.
• The assumed solution must be simple from a computational
standpoint, but it should satisfy certain convergence requirements.
In general, the solution or the interpolation model is taken in the
form of a polynomial.
Polynomial Approximation
Most often polynomials are used to construct approximation functions for each
element. Depending on the order of approximation, different numbers of element
parameters are needed to construct the appropriate function.
Linear Quadratic Cubic
Domain
x
Domain with degrees of freedom
• Red line-Continuous
field over the entire
domain.
x
• Blue line-Finite
x
number of linear
Subdomain e
approximations with
Domain divided with subdomains
with degrees of freedom the finite number of
1 elements
2
5 6
3
4
x
Step 3: Derive element stiffness matrices and load vectors. From the assumed
displacement model, the stiffness matrix [K]e and the load vector [P]e of
element are to be derived by using a suitable variational principle, a
weighted residual approach (such as the Galerkin method) or equilibrium
conditions.
Step 4: Assemble element equations to obtain the overall equilibrium
equations.
• Since the structure is composed of several finite elements, the individual
element stiffness matrices and load vectors are to be assembled in a
suitable manner and the overall equilibrium equations have to be
formulated as [K][Φ] = [P].
[k] is the assembled stiffness matrix,
[Φ] is the vector of nodal displacements, and
[P] is the vector of nodal forces for the complete structure.
Step 5: Solve for the unknown nodal displacements. The overall
equilibrium equations have to be modified to account for the
boundary conditions of the problem.
• After the incorporation of the boundary conditions, the
equilibrium equations can be expressed as [K][Φ] = [P].
• For linear problems, the vector Φ can be solved very easily.
However, for nonlinear problems, the solution has to be
obtained in a sequence of steps, with each step involving the
modification of the stiffness matrix [K] and/or the load vector P.
Step 6: Compute element strains and stresses. From the known
nodal displacements Φ , if required, the element strains and
stresses can be computed by using the necessary equations of
solid or structural mechanics.
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Advantages of Finite Element Analysis
✓ Models Bodies of Complex Shape
✓ Can Handle General Loading/Boundary Conditions
✓ Models Bodies Composed of Composite and Multiphase
Materials
✓ Model is Easily Refined for Improved Accuracy by Varying
Element Size and Type (Approximation Scheme)
✓ Time Dependent and Dynamic Effects Can Be Included
✓ Can Handle a Variety Nonlinear Effects Including Material
Behavior, Large Deformations, Boundary Conditions, Etc.
Common Sources of Error in FEA
• Domain Approximation
• Element Interpolation/Approximation
• Numerical Integration Errors
• Computer Errors (Round-Off, Etc., )
Computer Programs for Finite Element Method
Packages
ANSYS
NASTRAN
ABAQUS
MARC
LS-DYNA3D
MSC/DYNA
ADAMS/
DADS
COSMOS
MOLDFLOW
C-FLOW
PHOENICS
A GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS SOFTWARES
• Preprocessing
– Define the geometric domain of the problem.
– Define the element type(s) to be used.
– Define the material properties of the elements.
– Define the geometric properties of the elements (length, area, and the like).
– Define the element connectivities (mesh the model).
– Define the physical constraints (boundary conditions). Define the loadings.
• Process (Solution)
– computes the unknown values of the primary field variable(s)
– computed values are then used by back substitution to compute
additional, derived variables, such as reaction forces, element stresses,
and heat flow.
Postprocessing
– Postprocessor software contains sophisticated routines used for
sorting, printing, and plotting selected results from a finite element
solution.
Basic Steps in the Finite Element Method
Time Independent Problems
❖Domain Discretization
❖Select Element Type (Shape and Approximation)
❖ Assume Interpolation Functions for Individual Elements
❖Derive Element Properties [K]e{U}e = {F}e (Variational and Energy
Methods)
❖ Assemble Element Equations to Form Global Equations
[K]{U} = {F}
[K] = Stiffness or Property Matrix
{U} = Nodal Displacement Vector
{F} = Nodal Force Vector
❖ Incorporate Boundary and Initial Conditions
❖ Solve Assembled System of Equations for Unknown Nodal
Displacements and Secondary Unknowns of Stress and Strain Values
